Services
Expertises
Resources
Who we are
Contact us
Open

Build Communities Strong Fund Direct Delivery stream

Community infrastructure funding for ready projects

Offered by
Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC)
Official source: housing-infrastructure.canada.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 250,000 - $ 1,000,000
Up to 10% of project cost
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Canada
Who can apply
Provincial or territorial governments and provincial or territorial public sector bodies.
See full eligibility

Overview

The Build Communities Strong Fund Direct Delivery stream provides $6 billion over 10 years, starting in 2026-27, to eligible public, non-profit, Indigenous, and private sector partners for community infrastructure across Canada. It supports regionally significant projects, climate adaptation projects, and local infrastructure such as community buildings, recreation facilities, and drinking water assets.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$1,000,000
Minimum funding
$250,000
Maximum share of project costs
10%
Financing goals
  • Develop a new program or service
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Enhance an existing program
  • Increase production or service capacity
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Implement environmental initiatives
  • Increase operational productivity
  • Strengthen organizational capacity
  • Renovate or expand facilities
  • Renovate or adapt facilities

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
Legal structures
Non-profit

Start applying for this program

Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

Direct Delivery portal closed

The Direct Delivery application portal is now closed, and applicants are being directed to the expression of interest process for future consideration.

See more

The Build Communities Strong Fund Direct Delivery stream now says the online portal is closed for project applications. The page also removes the shovel-ready portal intake and now directs eligible applicants with projects that are not yet shovel-ready to submit an expression of interest for future consideration. On the small projects section, the regional agency links now show Application closed for several agencies, and the contact path now points to email submissions for expressions of interest.

Official source: housing-infrastructure.canada.ca
August 15, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Provincial or territorial governments and provincial or territorial public sector bodies.
  • Municipal or regional governments, municipal or regional public sector bodies, and other public-sector bodies.
  • Public or not-for-profit institutions authorized to deliver post-secondary courses or programs leading to recognized and transferable post-secondary credentials.
  • Incorporated not-for-profit organizations.
  • Private sector, for-profit bodies working in collaboration with an eligible public-sector entity or eligible Indigenous applicant; Indigenous governing bodies, not-for-profit organizations whose primary mandate is to serve Indigenous Peoples, and Indigenous development corporations.

Who is not eligible

  • Private-sector, for-profit bodies that are not partnering with an eligible public sector entity or an eligible Indigenous applicant.
  • Individuals and private citizens.
  • Federal entities, including federal Crown corporations.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Projects that have begun construction are not eligible, although new and distinct phases of such projects may be eligible.

Activities funded

  • Local infrastructure projects, including community buildings and spaces, recreation, sport and park facilities, drinking water assets, wastewater assets, and stormwater management assets.
  • Climate adaptation projects that prevent, mitigate, or protect against the impacts of climate change, disasters triggered by natural hazards, and extreme weather events.
  • Regionally significant projects that deliver broader economic, environmental, and social benefits beyond the immediate location of the project.
  • Smaller community infrastructure projects delivered through Canada's Regional Development Agencies.

How to apply

  • Eligible applicants who have a potential project that is not yet shovel-ready may submit an expression of interest for future consideration.
  • Email us to Get started.
Open application portal

Documents Needed

  • Class C estimates at a minimum, with a supporting document when available.
  • Letters of support from the community and/or organizations impacted by the project, including public consultation records.
  • Additional partner information and a letter of support for private sector entities applying in collaboration with an eligible public-sector entity or eligible Indigenous applicant.

Selection criteria

  • Proponents of regionally significant projects may be invited to apply.
  • Preference may be given to projects that are ready to start construction during the upcoming summer construction season.
  • For Indigenous and territorial projects, consideration will also be given to projects that will be shovel-ready in 2027.

Processing and Agreement

  • Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada will only contact applicants whose submissions are shortlisted for approval.
  • The Department may share project information with the respective provinces and territories.
  • Applicants receiving an Approval in Principle letter after review and approval of their project submission will be required to provide additional project information, and other conditions may apply.

Additional information

  • The BCSF application can be saved before submission as many times as necessary, and applicants are not required to complete it in one session.

Contacts

canadastrong-canadafort@infc.gc.ca
1-888-338-9378

Official sources

Build Communities Strong Fund Direct Delivery stream

Program guide

Build Communities Strong Fund Frequently asked questions

Application portal

Instructions on creating a secure account
Add helloDarwin as a preferred source on Google

Frequently Asked Questions about the Build Communities Strong Fund Direct Delivery stream Program

What is the Build Communities Strong Fund Direct Delivery stream?

The Build Communities Strong Fund Direct Delivery stream provides $6 billion over 10 years, starting in 2026-27, to eligible public, non-profit, Indigenous, and private sector partners for community infrastructure across Canada. It supports regionally significant projects, climate adaptation projects, and local infrastructure such as community buildings, recreation facilities, and drinking water assets.

How much funding can be received?

Build Communities Strong Fund Direct Delivery stream Funds up to 10% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,000,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the Build Communities Strong Fund Direct Delivery stream program?

To be eligible for the Build Communities Strong Fund Direct Delivery stream program, you must: The applicant must be responsible for project implementation and own, or will own, the asset(s). The project must be shovel-ready and able to begin before the end of 2026. The project must have Class C estimates at a minimum and all sources of funding secured except the federal funding requested through BCSF.

Who can I contact for more information about the Build Communities Strong Fund Direct Delivery stream?

You can contact Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) by email at canadastrong-canadafort@infc.gc.ca or by phone at 1-888-338-9378.

Where is the Build Communities Strong Fund Direct Delivery stream available?

The Build Communities Strong Fund Direct Delivery stream program is available the province of Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan.

Is the Build Communities Strong Fund Direct Delivery stream a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Build Communities Strong Fund Direct Delivery stream is a Grant and Funding

Who are the financial supporters of the Build Communities Strong Fund Direct Delivery stream?

Build Communities Strong Fund Direct Delivery stream is funded by Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC), Government of Canada